Indonesia investigates radioactive contamination in exports to US and Europe

JAKARTA, Nov 26: Indonesia has opened a criminal investigation into the suspected source of radioactive contamination that led to recalls of exports to the US and the Netherlands. The focus is on a metal-processing factory at the Cikande Industrial Estate in Banten province. The smelting company, PT Peter Metal Technology, is reportedly of Chinese ownership. Bara Hasibuan, a spokesperson for the investigating task force, confirmed the launch of the criminal investigation. The contamination, including cesium 137, was initially detected in shipments of sneakers to the Netherlands and frozen shrimp to the US, prompting alerts and recalls. PT Bahari Makmur Sejati, operating as BMS Foods, had shipments detained due to radioactive findings. Nine employees were exposed, treated, and the affected facilities decontaminated.